Gardeners' Notes:

Took mine 2yrs to establish & flower after moving it the first year I had it. Mine has good protection from winter winds which can inflict windchills of up to -31°F in my locale. Has withstood ambient temps of -14°F for short periods. Tolerates sandy soil, moderately drought tolerant. Likes full sun in winter, shade in summer. Blooms here in mid-March. Good companion plants include crocus, Galanthus elwesii (aka snowdrops); bergenia, , brunneras, early blooming miniature Iris.

I have found this plant slow to establish, but it was a young bare root plant when I bought it approx. 5 years ago. It now seems to have established and the last two years has thrown multiple flower heads. The young leaves have a purplish tinge, the stems are a deep maroon purple.

Its flowers are of a more rounded form, with a large boss of yellow stamens. The petals are a deep maroon-purple. The colour can apparently vary.

The alternative name of Queen Of The Night Strain is included in this entry according to the information given on this link, and it is unlikely that many people will have a division from the original selection.